Meryl Cooper is an ultra-trail running athlete who represented Great Britain at the Trail World Championships. Having now returned to Scotland after living and working overseas, Meryl is focussing on training and coaching.
You’ve completed some amazing ultra races around the world and represented Great Britain at the Trail World Championships. Have you always loved running? How did you start out?
No I actually haven’t always loved running! I have always loved sport and I actually used to only really enjoy running if I was chasing a ball! I used to play a lot of football, basketball and also squash. I started out running when I was trying to get fitter for my football matches and also when I set myself the goal of becoming the fittest I have ever been by the time I turned 30. That was over 5 years ago now and I haven’t stopped on this journey. I went to the gym for the first time around this time and added a bit of structure to my running training. I went running in the trails in the UAE where I was living at this time one weekend and it really reminded me that I do like the challenge of running, just not around cities and on the roads.
You’re a health and running coach, and a PE teacher. Can you tell us what you enjoy about helping people with their training?
I love helping people to reach their full potential. I also think it’s really healthy to have a good balance in your life so being able to set plans for people frees up time for them to enjoy other important parts of their life. Coaching ultra-trail runners is probably my favourite as it’s not just about running fast or building endurance. I get to help people with the whole package and race strategy – nutrition, pacing, mental strategy, kit etc.
Thinking about sustainability, have you taken any steps towards making your own running more sustainable?
I have moved house not long ago so I can run to the trails and hills from my door, rather than having to drive. Not only has this been more sustainable… but it has also been good for the soul! I also shop local and cook with seasonal food as much as possible. Generally, I try keep my life and training as simple as possible. I don’t spend much money and have very few gadgets!
What do you think about Trees not Tees and what we’re doing?
I love what you are doing. Running events provide such a positive outlet for people (mentally, physically, socially…) and you are making it even better since they can now be playing a part in saving the planet by choosing Trees Not Tees. I did not realise that it takes the same amount of water that a person drinks in 2.5 years to make a single cotton t-shirt, plus over 2kg of eCO2. I will certainly be sharing this wide and clear and always ticking the Trees not Tees box!
What changes would you like to see the running events industry making towards sustainability?
With such big audiences, running events could be having conversations/ talking about sustainability wherever possible and relevant. For example in their email communications, race briefings. I love races which have supported local businesses in their prizes, post-race food, race stalls etc.
What does running mean to you?
Running to me is about learning and growing. I am constantly learning every race that I do, every training session, every physio trip and so on. It’s also about health – both physical and mental, plus being the best I can be in the sport.
To hear more about Meryl’s running and coaching, head over to her website.
